On Saturday Michigan State hosted numerous top junior prospects on campus. One of the players was running back Gerald Holmes of Carman-Ainsworth High School in Flint Michigan. The bruising runner got some good news from Coach Dantonio. SpartanMag.com caught up with Holmes and go the details.

The 6-foot-0, 205-pound Homes is a player the Spartans have had their eye on since back when he was a sophomore. Though he had an injury plagued junior season, the Michigan State coaches have seen enough to know that the want to add him to the roster for the class of 2013. SpartanMag.com asked Holmes about the visit.

"It went really well," Holmes said. "I enjoyed my time there. What I really liked was the chance to observe the team practice and I was also able to talk with Coach Dantonio."

What did Coach Dantonio have to say, was that when you were offered the scholarship?

"Yes it was," Holmes said. "He said he was impressed with my running style and how I play. It felt great to get offered by Michigan State and I feel like it is a big accomplishment. They develop great running backs. I know I have more to prove though for my team this upcoming 2012 season."

Michigan State will graduate both Edwin Baker and Larry Caper after the 2012 season and they have not signed a lot of running backs the last few seasons. For that reason, the running back position is arguably the most critical position for the class of 2013. The fact that the Spartans have offered Holmes early is an indication that they really like what he brings to the table. We asked Holmes about his strengths as a player.

"The way I run with force," he said. "I have a big frame, but I still have the ability to carry the ball in all situations."

Holmes has been compared to current Spartan running back Le'Veon Bell as far as a big back that can run with both power and agility. Holmes has had a chance to speak with Bell in the past and this past weekend. Holmes knows that the key to becoming a successful college player is working hard in the off-season and in the classroom. Holmes plans on doing both of those over the next 12 months.

The offer to Holmes is his second scholarship offer. The other team to extend a scholarship is the Toledo Rockets. With the recent coaching change at the University of Toledo do not be surprised if Holmes picks up a scholarship offer from the Fighting Illini in the near future.

SpartanMag.com will be sure to follow the recruitment of Holmes in the coming months. His early scholarship offers means that he will almost surely be one of the top 10 prospects in the state of Michigan for the class of 2013.